U-M to reopen fully-renovated Stockwell Hall

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 | Source: Concentrate

The renewal of student housing at the University of Michigan will take another step forward later this month when a renovated Stockwell Hall reopens.

The circa-1940 structure on the Hill area of the university was rehabbed from top to bottom. Workers kept the building's Tudor Revival architecture and interior character. They replaced old mechanical, electrical, plumbing, safety and elevator systems.

"It went through a complete upgrade," says Peter Logan, director of communications for university housing at the University of Michigan.

The finished project features creature comforts that have long been absent in student life at U-M, such as air-conditioned rooms and Wi-Fi access. There will also be remodeled lounges, kitchenettes and community bathrooms. What was once the dining hall area will be turned into a new community spaces for music practice, recreation and informal performances. Residents will eat at the newly opened Hill Dining Center.

Another big change is who will live in the building. Stockwell Hall has traditionally served as a women's dorm. It will reopen as co-ed this fall due to a drop in demand for all-female housing. Only about 400 students lacking a Y chromosome requested same-sex housing. There are approximately 800 housing units for just women. There are still four other female-oriented dorms on U-M's campus, including Betsy Barbour and Helen Newberry residences, Martha Cook Building and Henderson House.

The renovation of Stockwell began last year as part of U-M's Residential Life Initiatives, which is revitalizing and expanding student-living options on campus.

Source: Peter Logan, director of communications for university housing at the University of Michigan
Writer: Jon Zemke